What’s a Lab Tech?

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A research laboratory technician conducts experiments, maintains equipment, records results, and may propose changes to procedures. They need knowledge of various sciences and may work independently or as part of a team. A degree or certification is usually required. They can work in various testing environments.

A research laboratory technician conducts scientific studies and experiments. She is generally responsible for installing, operating, and maintaining the instruments needed for specific experiments. As experiments progress, she is typically required to observe, analyze, and record results, sometimes resulting in conclusions. Detailed records of each phase of each experiment are vital to the value and validity of conclusions.

These research experiences typically involve physical, chemical, biological, and life science principles. A thorough knowledge of the materials being tested is important. A thorough and comprehensive understanding of test equipment is required to properly tune it to accommodate changes and recognize potential flaws in its performance.

Depending on the nature of the research project, the research laboratory technician position may require working independently or as part of a focused team. Some exploratory projects require technician focus on many phases and stages of testing. Other experiments can produce acceptable results in a matter of minutes.

Proficiency in applying theories and principles from different sciences is required to be a successful research laboratory technician. Upon completion of the initial tests, the technician is normally required to send the results to his superior for analysis. The senior lab technician typically instructs her to proceed to the next phase, repeat the procedure for authentication, or abandon the process if it appears that no viable conclusions are within reach.

As the technician gains experience, his opinion on procedures and opinions on conclusions can be sought. Based on her research and the results of related experiments she has studied, she can propose small or radical changes to testing procedures. Your studies may also have provided facts about previously unknown variables that may be relevant to the experiment and how it was conducted.

A research lab technician can usually find work in a wide variety of testing environments. These settings typically include hospitals, clinics, or medical laboratories. If the experiments are for the benefit of sectors other than health and medicine, plants or companies can have self-sustaining laboratories on their premises.

While a four-year college degree is not always required for this position, most companies require related training or certification. This qualification may be earned by earning an associate degree or certificate of completion in applied science or other science-based program. To advance in the laboratory research field or to specialize in a particular industry, a bachelor’s degree is normally a requirement.




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